Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Pesto
Transform your pasta night with this vibrant Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Pesto—a nourishing twist on a classic favorite. Made with nutrient-packed whole wheat spaghetti and a creamy avocado-based pesto, this recipe bursts with fresh flavors from basil, baby spinach, and zesty lemon juice. The addition of walnuts and nutritional yeast lends a rich, nutty depth and a cheesy flavor, all while keeping this dish dairy-free and heart-friendly. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's an easy yet comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Top with juicy cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and extra antioxidants, and enjoy this wholesome, plant-based dinner that’s as kind to your heart as it is to your taste buds. Perfect for those seeking healthy, quick, and delicious pasta recipes!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz Whole wheat spaghetti
- 1 large Avocado
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup Baby spinach
- 2 small Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 2.5 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Raw walnuts
- 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 0.5 teaspoon Sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (optional for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water, and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the flesh of the avocado, fresh basil leaves, baby spinach, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, walnuts, nutritional yeast, sea salt, and ground black pepper.
Step 3
Pulse the ingredients until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If the pesto seems too thick, add the reserved pasta cooking water one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
Step 4
Toss the cooked spaghetti with the pesto sauce in the pot or a large bowl until evenly coated.
Step 5
Plate the pasta and garnish with halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and extra flavor, if desired.
Step 6
Serve immediately and enjoy your heart-healthy spaghetti with pesto!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (853.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1245.8 |
| Total Fat 76.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 10.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 3.6g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1228.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 126.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 36.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 9.5g | |
| Protein 34.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 198.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 9.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2322.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories